Top celebrity agent claims Strictly pro sexually harassed her during rehearsals

TOP celebrity agent Melanie Blake has claimed that a Strictly professional sexually harassed her during rehearsals.

The PR guru and author talks about her backstage experiences on the BBC One show.

Melanie explained that she had visited the studio several times and was appalled by the behavior of some of the professionals.

This included an incident in which she claimed that an unnamed dancer “put her hand on his crotch” after she made sexual comments about one of the celebrities – even though she was married.

In a long post on her X-account, she shared this shocking moment and also made other claims – for example, she said she had witnessed “age discrimination.”

Melanie wrote: “Here’s what I’ve personally experienced: professional dancers being introduced to their celebrity partners acted absolutely arrogant and said they had never heard of them (and I’m sure they knew who they had because the ‘meeting’ is about the celebs being surprised at which pro they got – not the other way around – so they obviously couldn’t even be bothered to read the bios).

“Instant act of ageism if the female celebrity was over 40 – they actively said they wished they ‘didn’t have an old one’ and ‘I’ll never put her in the finals’ – all within earshot of the celebrity and me, which of course was a massive breach of trust before they’d even started.

“If they didn’t like their partner or thought they would make it to the finals, they actively tried to get voted out as quickly as possible so they could then do their own work, doing photoshoots and promos about themselves, effectively ruining the celebrities’ chances.”

She also claimed that a professional was so “rough” with a celebrity that an injury occurred before the show even began.

“An incredibly well-known professional was so rough with our client that she was injured before the Games even started and was therefore unable to enjoy herself or perform to her best – the same professional decided to quit to concentrate on his career,” she continued.

The publicist added: “Why no one, including myself, revealed these things earlier is probably because we don’t want to destroy the illusion of a show that so many love – but now I’ve heard that what I experienced was not an isolated incident – and I feel it’s only fair to the celebs who currently want to believe – that my own actual experience confirms their reports.”

A BBC spokesman said: “We will not comment on individuals or engage in speculation.”

“However, as we have said before, if people want to bring something to our attention or raise it with us directly, we will always listen and we have procedures and processes in place to deal with it.”

On Monday, The Sun reported that a number of celebrities who had competed in Strictly over the years had joined forces to Whatsapp groups to discuss the ongoing scandal.

Giovanni Pernice left the BBC show after being accused of clashing with Amanda Abbington, which he vehemently denies.

Graziano Di Prima was fired earlier this month after it was revealed that he celebrity Partner Zara McDermott.

Insiders said the BBC wanted to shake up the format next year, with the possible dismissal of some professional dancers.

A TV insider said: “There’s not much they can do to change the lineup for this year’s crisis show, but one gets the feeling that Strictly needs to make a fresh start in 2025.”

“There is a fear that by taking part in the show they will feel even more entitled and untouchable.

“For many of the professionals who come to rehearsals this week, it could be the last time.

“It’s not a done deal yet, and it won’t just be a case of the oldest or the most senior being kicked out. It would be a carefully thought-out process that would take other factors into account.

“The fact that the BBC is even considering big changes and hiring new blood is a sign of how keen they are to move on and do everything they can to ensure this never happens again.

“This might mean saying goodbye to some of the most famous professionals – both men and women – but when it comes to Strictly, no one is ever bigger than the show.”